The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday issued a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) alert for the country’s northern areas, warning that rising temperatures coupled with intermittent rainfall can accelerate glacier melt, increasing the volume and water levels of glacial lakes.
The advisory comes amidst the monsoon season, with thousands of tourists traveling to the northern regions for the summer season.
According to the PDMA, the sudden bursting of glacial lakes could trigger flash floods and rapidly rising water levels, posing a serious threat to lives, property, and infrastructure. It has placed the district administrations of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Mansehra on high alert, with authorities directed to ensure continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, issue timely warnings, conduct evacuation drills in high-risk areas, and prepare designated safe shelters.
Tourists and travelers have further been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, camping and trekking in vulnerable areas.
The PDMA has also cautioned motorists against attempting to cross fast-flowing streams and floodwaters, warning that vehicles can be swept away by strong currents. Several vehicles have already been swept away over the past few months while attempting the same.
A GLOF is a sudden and potentially devastating flood that occurs when a natural dam of ice or loose rock containing a glacial lake fails. Such events are commonly triggered by rising temperatures, heavy rainfall or seismic activity, and release large volumes of water downstream within a short period.